From Infamous Serial Killers to Tragic Massacres: 5 High-Profile True Crime Cases in Indiana

Indiana may be known for basketball and racing, but the Hoosier State has also been the site of some notorious true crime cases. Here are five cases that have left an indelible mark on Indiana’s history.

1. The John Dillinger Case: One of the most notorious criminals of the Great Depression era, John Dillinger was a bank robber who became a folk hero to many Americans. He was eventually shot and killed by FBI agents outside a movie theater in Chicago, but his legend lives on.
2. The Richmond Hill Explosion: In 2012, a gas explosion destroyed a neighborhood in Indianapolis, killing two people and injuring dozens. It was later revealed that the explosion was a result of a scheme to collect insurance money, and several people were convicted of arson and murder.
3. The Delphi Murders: In 2017, two young girls, Abby Williams and Liberty German, were found murdered near the Delphi Historic Trail in Carroll County. Despite extensive investigations and public appeals for information, the killer or killers have yet to be identified.
4. The Herb Baumeister Case: From 1980 to 1996, Herbert Baumeister is believed to have killed at least 11 men in the Indianapolis area and buried their bodies on his estate. When police discovered the bodies, Baumeister fled to Canada, where he committed suicide.
5. The Larry Eyler Case: Also known as the “Highway Killer,” Larry Eyler was convicted of murdering at least 21 young men in the 1980s, many of whom were hitchhiking or working as prostitutes. Eyler died in prison in 1994.

These five cases represent just a small sample of the true crime stories that have played out in Indiana over the years. While the state may be better known for its sports and festivals, the darker side of its history is equally compelling.